Oklahoma Severe Weather Driving

If a tornado approaches while you are driving on an Oklahoma highway, the recommended action is to:

By DMV Master Editorial Team Updated Verified against OK DPS Driver Manual — Severe Weather
A

Shelter under an overpass or bridge.

Overpasses create a wind-tunnel effect that ACCELERATES debris — never shelter under one.

B

Leave your vehicle and lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area, covering your head.

Correct answer

C

Drive faster to outrun the tornado.

Tornadoes travel 30–70 mph and change direction; outrunning is unsafe.

D

Park on the shoulder and remain inside the vehicle.

Vehicles offer no protection from tornado winds.

Detailed Explanation

The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety and the National Weather Service both teach: NEVER shelter under a bridge or overpass (the venturi effect INCREASES wind speed and debris impact). Instead, leave the vehicle, get to the lowest ground available, lie flat, and cover your head. Oklahoma's exam heavily tests this — it's a life-safety distinction.

Source: OK DPS Driver Manual — Severe Weather

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